JUNE 2023

Summer Activities

• Ball programs are in full swing.

• Figure Skating is going good.

• Hockey Camps are proceeding as contracted.

• Camp Hiawatha (an annual summer user) is in process a negotiating a fee.

• The new compressor and cooling tower is holding the ice temperature better.

• There will be a Lightning Hockey tournament prior to the ice removal on July 29.

• AEOA is assisting with grantwriting for another round of applications (August 1)  to IRRRB for the roof replacement.

• A part-time assistant postition will be posted.

• An event in September will be held at the arena by the VFW to honor Vietnam War veterans - stay tuned.

MAY 2023

Summer Ball Programs

• GNK Fastpitch: the numbers are up this year; the reason is partially because of teamwork with Nashwauk-Keewatin. Both Pat Guyer and Kerby Gernander will work together to keep this program successful.  These are the teams and number of players:
  • 8U has 21 players
  • 10U has 17 players
  • 12U has 15 players
  • 14U has 15 players
  • 16/18U has 7 players
• T-Ball: 49 players
• Squirts: 54 players
• Little Titans: 34 players.  Note: organization of an 'Itasca League' is in process between Grand Rapids, Deer River, and Greenway.
• Junior Titans: number of players not yet confirmed.

Summer Ice Programs

GJRA will be outsourcing camps and charging $183 per hour.  These the the camps and registration links:

• Emerald Ice Figure Skating Club
• Sertich Northern Camps (hockey in June)
• Grand Rapids Quick Skills Camp (hockey in July)
• Grand Rapids Quick Skills Defense Camp (hockey in July)

Hodgins-Berardo Arena Upgrades

• New hot water heater
• New water softener
• New compressor & cooling towers (larger capacity than previously)

Still in process: If GJRA receives a IRRRB grant for the roof, the remaining portion, estimated at $80,000, will be covered by the Association's savings for that purpose.

APRIL 2023

Memorial Donation: The family of Jim Gibeau created a honor board of past and present Greenway Hockey Division I scholars to be displayed at the arena; the 4' x 8' installation is above the lobby's viewing windows, lighting is in process to highlight the gift.

Summer Ice:  Most of the ice time (June 12 - July 30) has been scheduled; only a few evenings in July are open; the rental rate for summer ice is $183 per hour.

Arena Upgrades: 

• Compressor & cooling towers Itasca County pledged to contribution $50,000 toward this upgrade.

• Roof, parking lot, and playing field Grants are still in process through IRRRB and other sources.

• Water softener Range Water was awarded the bid for a replacement unit; $5450.00. [FYI: softer water makes better ice]

Summer Ball Programs: Registration will be in-person May 2 & 3 from 5 pm to 7 pm; deadline is May 11. Details in process.

MARCH 2023

• The arena's ice was remove after the Annual Figure Skating Show,.  Batting cage nets are in place for practice by high school players.
• More updates will come after the director returns from his spring break.

FEBRUARY 2023

• Summer Ice: The upgraded compressor & cooling towers have been shipped and will be installed in time for expanded ice time this upcoming summer (June 12 - July 30).  The rental rate for summer ice will be $183 per hour; details in process.

• Arena Roof: A grant application from AEOA has been submitted.  GAHA has earmarked monies to contribute to the roof and compressor/cooling towers upgrades.

• Defibrillator: The existing device cannot be updated and needs replacing; a grant to the Baich Foundation has been submitted (approximate cost is $2300).

• Programs:

  • Volunteers were great as they hosted the Peewee B district tournament February 17-19.  The following weekend, the Mini-Mites tournament also ran smoothly and was a success.

  • The Ice figure skaters are on track for the annual show, March 18-19.

JANUARY 2023

• Recreation Center: The name of the arena will be changed to Hodgins-Berardo Recreation Center and the building's outside signage above the doors will be updated, this spring, to Hodgins-Berardo Rec Center.
• Compressor & Cooling Towers: An ice system update will move forward this spring, albeit grant funding is still in process.

• Sound System: The sound system was professionally recalibrated to improve a difference in sound when the building's seating capacity is full, i.e. sounded excellent during practice time, but not during showtime.

• Bottle Filling Station: The water fountain for the players was replaced with a model suited for filling water bottles; it was installed in-house by Rock.

• Internet Access: The internet password has been changed, and connections will be limited to administration. The change will secure the concession stand's financial transactions. There will be no public access.

• Code of Ethics: Not just for players and parents, but now in process, a code of ethics for the GJRA board members.  President Carissa initiated the process which will clarify expectations of officers and board members'.

DECEMBER 2022

Programs 

• Hockey, figure skating, and basketball practices, and competitions, are running smoothly.
• Approved letting boys from Nashwauk in grades 3 - 6 play with Greenway teams to fill them for the tournaments in February.
• Girls and boys basketball in grades 1 - 2 begins January 9.

Arena

• Switched to weekly trash pick-up at the arena from Waste Management.
• The arena's sound system is not performing as good as anticipated; needs warranty service. 
• In process: Plugging away to find matching funds to replace the arena's  flat roof portion, and to upgrade the compressor & cooling tower; discussed with Representative Spencer Igo.